LOC – 026 – Jesus Duels with a Demon & Heals Many

Lesson Objectives:

Who is stronger: Jesus or demons?

Jesus has immediate power over sickness and disease.

Celibacy is not a requirement of discipleship or ministry.

Jesus does not judge people by physical health, social status, race or gender. He loves everyone!

Jesus can heal any kind of disease or affliction!

Lesson Commentary

Read Matthew 8:14-17; Mark 1:21-34; Luke 4:31-41

Jesus has now begun some serious ministry and teaching. Along with His teaching, He performs many miracles. The events that we are studying in this lesson all took place on the same day. We are going to see Jesus touching the lives of many in a physical way. It begins with a run-in with a demon-possessed man while worshipping in the synagogue. (Yes, Satan will even invade the house of God to do his dirty work!) As we continue walking with Jesus, we are going to see that Jesus has no problem with physical illness or condition, race, social status, or even gender.

Mark begins his Gospel with a display of the power of Jesus over demons, fevers, and all kinds of illnesses. Miracles comprise more than one-third of Mark’s Gospel, which is much more than he spends on his passion narrative. He uses the term “mighty works,” (the Greek word is “dynameis” from which we get the word “dynamite,”) to emphasize the power of Jesus to the Roman readers. Though Mark records fewer words of Jesus than Matthew, Luke or John, he associates the activity of teaching more closely with His self-revelation. The miracles mentioned in Mark’s Gospel will comprise four groups: healings; exorcisms; nature miracles; and one resuscitation. These show Jesus’ power over all aspects of God’s creation.

Luke offers six vignettes in this section from Jesus’ ministry that indicate the range of his work: teaching, preaching, exorcising demons, healing, calling disciples, explaining His growing popularity with the people. Matthew joins in with the healing of Peter’s mother-in-law. Let’s look into our text and do some more walking with Jesus. Part of the ruins that are supposed to be Peter's house in Capernaum. Photograph courtesy of Glen & Sylvia Copple

A Demoniac is Healed

Mk. 1:21, Lk. 4:31 – Jesus and His current band of followers go to Capernaum. This is going to become His main place of residence and operation over the next three years. On Saturday, as usual, Jesus goes to the synagogue to worship. This is probably the synagogue built by a Roman centurion (We will read about it soon in Luke 7:5). Jesus worships because He loves His Father, not for some routine habit, or to fulfill a Jewish custom. There is an important difference in the outward action, but there is in the heart of the individual. Why do you go to church to worship? Jesus is accustomed to being invited by the ruler of the Synagogue to participate in the teaching. While John the Baptist did all of his preaching in the wilderness, most of Jesus’ teaching is done in communities. Just like the synagogue worship episode in Nazareth, this incident is going to take an unusual turn.

Mk. 1:22, Lk. 4:32 – The people seem to enjoy listening to Jesus because He speaks with confidence and authority, more like a rabbi than a scribe. Jesus is speaking, and though the people recognized more as a scribe, He teaches with even greater authority than a rabbi. Scribes would have a rabbi or someone else as their authority. Jesus is teaching them as if He IS the authority! Maybe there is something in this that we need to remember – Jesus IS the authority!

Mk. 1:23, Lk. 4:33 – Who is in charge of your soul? Here in the middle of the worship service of the Jewish synagogue is a man who is possessed with a demon. Mark calls this an “unclean spirit.” Luke calls it “a demon, an evil spirit.” Since the Gentiles recognized both good and evil spirits, it is important for Luke to designate the true nature of this evil spirit. This is a real spirit entity that dwells inside this man. (I think I see a Halloween scary movie evolving here.) As the soul directs the body, so the demon controls the man. There is no room for the Holy Spirit and the evil spirit in the same body. Who is in charge of your soul?

Mk. 1:24, Lk. 4:34 – The demons know who Jesus is, and they are cognizant of His authority. They ask “What do You want with us?” This man has more than one demon and they cry out in fear and anger because they are in direct opposition to Jesus. There is no room for an evil spirit and the Holy Spirit in the same room! He cries out to try to gain some sort of power over a threatening foe. This demon recognizes that Jesus has come to earth to ruin their reign, the hated and dreaded Christ. (This equals belief, but it does not equal salvation.) The demons, in naming Jesus as a Nazarene and labeling Him as “the Holy One of God,” are trying to gain some power and authority over Jesus by exposing Him. It is also an attempt to confuse the people who are listening since the Messiah will come from Bethlehem, but it doesn’t work. Jesus is greater than their schemes. As long as your faith is in Christ, you will not have to fear being taken over by demons!

Mk. 1:25, Lk. 4:35 – Jesus does not need or desire the testimony of demons. In fact, their testimony would be detrimental to His agenda! He shows that He has power over evil spirits and orders the demon to leave the person. Other religious leaders would cast out demons with lots of words and spells or rituals. Jesus authoritatively commands the demon to leave and that settles it! He doesn’t engage in witticisms or petty arguments. He doesn’t discuss or dialogue. He simply takes charge, tells the demon where to go and that is the end of the matter! Where is the “tolerance” here? There are some things (sin and demons just to mention a couple) that are not to be tolerated by Christians!

Mk. 1:26 – The demon tries to rebel and make a scene by convulsing the person he inhabits. Its loud voice might also intimidate others present. How many times do you (or have you observed others) raise their voice when feeling threatened or confronting a supposed enemy? It only makes the demon look more like the out-of-control, ugly spirit that it is. Lots of noise and ugly behavior will not gain any sympathy when a person is in violation of God’s Will. (Yelling is not the way to win an argument!) Jesus is in charge here. He does not yell and He does not allow the demon to injure the person. Luke is careful to make a medical observation that the demon did not hurt the individual during this extrication.

Mk. 1:27, Lk. 4:36 – I imagine that the citizens of Capernaum won’t forget this worship service! They are amazed at both Jesus teaching, and His authority to cast out demons. Other Jewish leaders would try to cast out demons with words and chanting. There is no doubt here that Jesus casts out demons by His own authority. He doesn’t have to yell, threaten, or even raise His voice. He merely speaks and the demons flee.

Mk. 1:28, Lk. 4:37 – The news of what Jesus is doing makes all of the local newscasts. Everyone in the community is going to be talking about what happened at the synagogue today and about how Jesus of Nazareth has the power to cast out demons. Luke especially seeks to play down the miracle and emphasize the reaction of the people.

Through Jesus Christ, all evil can be overcome. The words and actions of demonic spirits in others should never be allowed to influence us. Demons can’t get into our lives unless we let them. We want to avoid behaviors that give Satan a chance to get in. There is no room for the devil and the Holy Spirit in the same body!

Well, what a worship service! The Worship may be over, but the newsworthy events of the day are not over yet! Matthew joins us and relates some afternoon and evening events.

Jesus Heals Peter’s Wife’s Mother

Mt. 8:14, Mk. 1:29, Lk. 4:38 – Immediately after worship, Jesus goes to Peter’s house. Mark also mentions that Andrew, James, and John are with Him. Peter’s house is probably where Jesus stays when He is in Capernaum. (Cf. Mark 2:1; 3:20; 9:33; 10:10.) Matthew and Luke only mention Peter (or Simon) by name. Mark mentions Jesus, Peter, Andrew, James and John in his account. Jesus hasn’t chosen all who will later be named Apostles yet. We do not know how many He has already called, but Matthew’s call is still future to this day's events.

Mk. 1:30 – These verses (in Matthew and Luke also) make it clear that Peter has a wife. It is worth mentioning here, that celibacy was never a requirement of Christian service. It would be safe to presume that several, if not all, of the other disciples, later to be called Apostles, were married. (We do know that Paul was not married, but nothing is mentioned one way or the other regarding the others.) Peter also owns a house, even though Jesus never did. The other disciples/Apostles are also, most likely, property owners in their respective communities of residence.

The ruins of Peter's house as it looks today. Photograph courtesy of Greg Hicks

Peter’s wife’s mother is extremely ill. Doctor Luke notes that she has a high fever. This is not a slight illness, but one that could lead to very serious consequences. God never promises to prevent us from getting ill or even dying. Peter and the others petition for Jesus to help her. Jewish interpretation of the Law prevents healing on the Sabbath unless it is a life-or-death matter. Otherwise, they expect the ill person to wait until after sundown. Jesus is a lot more in touch with the will of God in these matters than the Jewish religious leaders.

Mt. 8:15, Mk. 1:31, Lk 4:39 – Luke says that Jesus rebukes the fever. Matthew and Mark only mention that He touches her hand and the fever leaves. All three writers mention that the fever leaves immediately, and she rises and serves the company. Instant health and energy are the results of God’s healing. Generally, when one gets over a fever, he is weak and needs some time to rest and regain strength. Not so when Jesus is the healer! When Jesus heals, the results are immediate, complete and permanent.

Jesus Heals Many Others

Mt. 8:16, Mk. 1:32, Lk. 4:40 – Sundown designates the end of the Sabbath. Everyone in town now knows about Jesus casting out the demons at the worship service earlier. Some of them may also know about Peter’s mother. Now that the Sabbath is over, they suppose that He can heal them as well. So they bring all of the people in town who are diseased and/or demon possessed to Jesus for healing. This is not a specialized healing for only certain diseases. There are no exceptions to the kinds of illnesses that Jesus can heal. He heals every kind of illness without any difficulty and the results are instantaneous and permanent. The Gospel writers all distinguish between those possessed by demons and those who are ill. Demon possession does not always cause or equate with illness and vice versa. Each is a separate phenomenon.

Matthew writes that Jesus only has to speak and the demons are driven out by His word. Herein the power of Jesus is displayed that He can cast out a demon without a lot of dramatics or some lengthy process or ritual. Luke says that Jesus touched the sick. It is interesting to observe how much we can communicate with others merely by touching them. A touch can speak love, compassion, or softness. Here, Jesus uses it to bring about a physical healing. How many people would be healthier today if they just got a hug once a day?

Mk. 1:33 – Word gets around quickly and everyone in town, who is able, comes out to be healed and to watch as Jesus heals others. This is no small matter and causes quite a stir as everyone wants to see this man perform miracles beyond their wildest expectations. Maybe He can heal them also! How far would you go to observe someone who is actually healing people with various kinds of ailments? Do you know of anyone who does not have some physical, emotional or spiritual sickness in need of a touch from Jesus?

Mk. 1:34; Lk. 4:41 – Again, Dr. Luke focuses on the diseased first and mentions the demon possessed second. Luke mentions that the demons identify Jesus as the “Son of God.” Earlier the demons only called Him the “Holy One of God.” Remember that Jesus is being recognized as a wonderful teacher and is going to quickly gain a great reputation as a healer, but that is still a long way from Him being recognized as God become Man, our Lord and Savior. Mark and Luke mention that the demons are not permitted to speak because they knew who Jesus was and He does not want their testimony. Matthew and Mark mention those who are demon possessed first, and then mention the sick later.

Mt. 8:17 – Matthew reminds his Jewish readers that this is an application of the prophecy of Isaiah 53:4. In healing the sick, Jesus takes our infirmities and also takes away our sorrows. However, as wonderful and important as physical healing is, it doesn’t hold a candle to the SONshine of His healing of our spiritual diseases (sin).

Read Matthew 4:23-24; 8:2-4; Mark 1:35-45; Luke 4:42—44; 5:12-16.

“Walking With Jesus”

Lesson Commentary

LOC – 026 Jesus a True Miracle Healer!
How to Deal With Demons!

People will spend all sorts of money on pills, potions, lotions and notions in hopes of being healed of a physical problem, illness or malady. Some go to “faith healers” in hopes of receiving an instant cure from something that they have been struggling with for years. Some people have honestly been healed by such experiences, but there are also many who have gone and not been healed or who thought they were healed only to later find out that they got caught up in the emotion, but no healing actually took place.

We are in Matthew 8:14-17; Mark 1:21-34; Luke 4:31b-41.

I pose no judgment on such activities, but leave that to God. He is the only one who knows the truth. I do know that God can and does occasionally heal without the benefit of medical science. I also know that some who claim to heal don’t have the power they try to flaunt. Who and how is beyond the point of this look at Jesus. Lets see how Jesus does it!

Worship is Important to Jesus! – Mark 1:21; Luke 4:31b

Mark begins his Gospel with a display of Jesus’ power (dynameis) ! Jesus is now staying in Capernaum. On the Sabbath and He goes to the Synagogue and teaches the people, who are very impressed with His teaching.

Jesus Speaks With Authority! – Mark 1:22-28; Luke 4:32-37

During the service, a man with an evil spirit interrupts and tries to expose Jesus. Who is in charge of your soul? Just because someone goes to church does not mean that they might not sometimes be demon-possessed. Though his words are true – Jesus is the Son of God – Jesus doesn’t want that kind of publicity and commands the evil spirit to be quiet and come out of the man. Knowing Jesus is not the same as being saved! There is no room for the Holy Spirit and a demon in the same body. Kick the demon out and live for Jesus!

The people are amazed that Jesus can so easily command evil spirits and they obey Him. Jesus is THE Authority! This establishes some authority to Jesus’ already amazing teaching abilities. Truly this is no mere man, but someone very powerful and wonderful. The reaction of the people is to go and tell what Jesus did! They won’t forget that worship service! Why do you go to church on SONdays?

Dr. Jesus Cares About Physical Illness! – Matthew 8:14-15; Mark 1:29-31; Luke 4:38-39

After the synagogue service, Jesus goes with James and John to Simon and Andrew’s house. Simon (Peter’s) mother-in-law is in bed with a bad fever. God never promises to prevent us from getting ill or even dying! Also, celibacy is not a requirement for ministry! As soon as Jesus hears about it, He goes to her, rebukes the fever, takes her by the hand and helps her up. Instantly the fever is gone and she gets up and starts serving her guests.

Jesus Can Heal Anything! Matthew 8:16-17; Mark 1:32-34; Luke 4:40-41

Sundown designates the end of the Sabbath. As soon as the day is over and as a result of the miracle at Synagogue and news about Jesus healing Simon’s mother-in-law, many of the people in Capernaum and the nearby surrounding region start gathering their sick people and bringing them to Jesus for healing.

Luke says Jesus laid His hands on them. Many people could be healed with little more than a loving touch from someone who cares! Jesus doesn’t qualify a person or heal only certain persons! His love and healing grace are available to anyone who will come to Him!

Jesus heals all sorts of diseases and maladies and casts demons out of others who were so possessed. These miracles have a very positive effect on the people who spread the word about this man who is doing miraculous things. How many of you have something that you would like Jesus to heal in your life?

Jesus doesn’t allow the demons to speak about who He is even though they know. He only has to speak (softly and firmly) and they leave! No yelling, no special spells or incantations or rituals. Just a simple statement spoken with confident authority!

CONCLUSION

It is exciting to notice that when Jesus does a miracle, the results are immediate, complete and permanent? That is the way you can know that Jesus had done a MIRACLE in your life! You can keep demons out of your life by simply speaking under the authority of Jesus Christ.

There is a miracle that is more important than all of the miracle healings that have ever occurred in all the days of this earth. That is the miracle of healing from the sin in your life! Jesus’ death on the cross, made possible the greatest miracle that will ever be recorded and if you are a Christian, you are a recipient of that miraculous healing power!

Next week: Jesus takes time to pray, preach and heal a dreaded disease.